According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), SB 1120 is not expected to have a significant fiscal impact on the state. The analysis indicates that any administrative or procedural costs associated with implementing the bill—such as updating victim notification systems or modifying case handling procedures—could be managed within existing agency resources. This suggests that state entities like the Office of Court Administration would not require new funding or personnel expansions to comply with the bill’s provisions.

Furthermore, the bill is not anticipated to significantly affect the state’s correctional system. While SB 1120 expands the definition of who qualifies as a victim and the types of offenses considered under family violence statutes, these changes are not expected to lead to a notable increase in prosecutions or sentencing lengths that would materially impact state correctional populations or facility demands.

On the local level, the bill also poses no significant fiscal implications. Local governments, including county courts and law enforcement, are assumed to be able to implement the bill’s changes—such as recognizing a broader set of victim rights in court proceedings—without requiring substantial new funding or staffing.

In sum, SB 1120 is fiscally neutral, with minimal budgetary or operational burdens on state and local entities.

SB 1120 significantly enhances the rights of victims of family violence, sexual and assaultive offenses, stalking, and protective order violations. The bill's key advancement lies in granting victims of family violence the right to confer with prosecutors regarding major case disposition decisions—such as plea agreements or case dismissals—aligning their rights with those already afforded to victims of sexual assault and trafficking under Article 56A.052 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill also strengthens transparency and access to information by mandating victim notification on evidence analysis status and enabling direct or designated communication between victims and state attorneys.

From a liberty-based perspective, SB 1120 aligns with core principles of Individual Liberty by empowering victims with greater participation and voice within the justice system. It acknowledges their autonomy and the harm they’ve experienced, ensuring their rights are protected and their input considered during critical stages of prosecution. The bill also reinforces Personal Responsibility by holding the justice system accountable to include and respect the views of those directly affected by crimes.

Moreover, SB 1120 maintains a balanced approach consistent with Limited Government—expanding individual rights without introducing expansive new bureaucratic structures or mandates. The Legislative Budget Board confirms that there are no significant fiscal implications at the state or local levels, as existing resources are sufficient to implement the provisions. This reinforces the bill’s efficiency and focuses on improving procedural justice within existing frameworks.

In summary, SB 1120 is a fiscally responsible and liberty-enhancing measure that addresses a meaningful gap in the rights of crime victims, particularly in cases of family violence. As such, Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on SB 1120 to promote justice, transparency, and equal treatment under the law.

• HB 4918 (Same As)